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Expert Q&A
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| By Harriet S. Worobey, M.A. Early Childhood Educator Director, the Nutritional Sciences Preschool | ||
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My 4-year-old throws temper tantrums only in public. What's the best way to respond to her?
Preschoolers instinctively know how to best embarrass their parents! They also know that most of the time, parents will do anything to stop these public tantrums. So try not to give her what she wants. It is definitely difficult to keep your cool in those circumstances, but try to do your best.
What you need to do is calmly let her know that her behavior is unacceptable and that if it continues, you will need to go home. And if it does continue, GO HOME! No matter what it is that you are doing, follow through. If you are in the grocery store, tell the clerk, leave the store and ask your husband to go back later for the groceries. Once she learns for good that she will not get the lollipop or toy, the temper tantrum will no longer be an effective tool for her.
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